Work for National DNA database in limbo

Specialists believe that due to absence of experts and departments, DNA database cannot be formed. To detect criminals and find clues for complex cases, the National Forensic DNA Profiling Lab was established in 2006 under the women and children affairs ministry. However, detecting criminals will be easier once there’s a national DNA profiling database. The government passed the DNA bill in 2014 though the DNA department has not been formed as yet. Meanwhile, the CID established a forensic lab for DNA profiling to aid investigation. Apart from criminal detection, other departments can also have DNA profiling done from this department. Specialists feel that once the department is formed, cases can be settled easily and justice assured. In the USA, the cost of investigation has fallen by a tenth due to DNA data base. In Bangladesh, the government can save Tk 100 crore if the data base is formed, specialists feel.The DNA database project director, Dr. Abul Hossain, told Bangla Tribune, “Due to lack of experienced manpower, the department could not be established.” Since we do not have any experience on the matter, we are trying to get expertise from overseas, he added. “Talks are currently underway with Singapore.”On the other hand, the CID forensic lab is operating in full swing. CID’s special SP, Rumana Akhtar, says, “We get information of an average of 80 cases per month and the profiling is done.”We do profiling related to militancy, rape and, even for parental identity. This is the only lab in the country for the police force, she added.

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